Civil
liberties and democracy are under attack as never before and the need
for a collective response to counter these threats has never been
greater.

We
share common objectives of seeking to create a European society based
on freedom and equality, of fundamental civil liberties and personal
and political freedoms, of free movement and freedom of information,
and equal rights for minorities. This entails defending, extending and
deepening the democratic culture - a concept not limited to political
parties and elections but embracing wider values of pluralism,
diversity and tolerance. And we share too a common opposition to
racism, fascism, sexism and homophobia.

The
defence of civil liberties and democracy also requires that positive
demands are placed on the agenda. For example, respect and rights for
all people, cultures and their histories, for the presumption of
innocence and freedom from surveillance and the freedom to protest and
demonstrate.

To
these ends the European Civil Liberties Network (ECLN) has been
established.

There
are many groups across Europe working on associated issues, such as,
legal rights, human rights, refugee and migrants' rights, globalisation
and peace. The ECLN seeks to work with, and complement, these groups by
concentrating its efforts on civil liberties, freedom of information
and democracy at the European level.